Hopkins Mountain via Ranney Trail
Region: Adirondacks, Giant Mountain Wilderness
June 10, 2022 | Keene Valley, NY
The background: it was the afternoon before we were heading to Allen for my ADK 46 finish the following morning (happy to confirm this mission was completed!) the weather was gorgeous, and we wanted to move a bit before our long day following. This mountain had been on my radar for some time, but when one of my hiking partners also mentioned she had been wanting to check it out, I knew it was our sign to go!
Spoiler alert - it is a GEM and one of my absolute new favorites in the area!
Note: there is another approach you can take from further down route 73 (Mossy Cascade Trail - this trail is about a mile longer.) This write-up is in reference to the Ranney Trail, which we discovered on the map was an option and decided to go for it.
Getting to the trailhead: you’ll be parking at the Rooster Comb lot for this one (no fee but can fill up on nice weekends since it’s the approach for several trails.) If you are traveling from the east and see Old Mountain Coffee, you went slightly too far (at that point, stop in for some baked goods for your hike before you turn around!) You will probably have some cell service, but as always… don’t rely on it.
The hike: 5.4 miles (8.69km) out-and-back marked trail, mostly shaded and dirt until you reach the summit area; elevation gain ~2,100 ft. (640m.)
After you park at the lot, you’ll have to (carefully) cross route 73 - the trail for this is not behind the parking lot. Turn right when exiting the parking lot, so you’re walking east on route 73 for a few quick minutes until on your left, you see a road with a bridge called Ranney Way. Walk down this road until you see the sign (shown below) which will point you in the direction of the trail. It should be about a 5 minute walk. There will be no trail register.
The hike itself is glorious. Mostly shaded, dirt trails that will have you working quite a bit - you will be climbing a majority of the time steadily, but it is nothing technical or unmanageable. You will hit two major junctions: the first connects you with the Mossy Cascade trail, the second links up to the North Trail, which can ultimately take you to Giant Mountain (a high peak), or another amazing mountain called Owls Head Lookout. Turn left at this junction to make your final 0.2 mile ascent to a sprawling and breathtaking view of all the region’s glory. There’s a good chance you will have limited company - I feel like this is a lesser known hike that gets less traffic than some of the others in the area. If you keep going past the summit, you eventually hit another peak, Spread Eagle- we did not venture over there, but I don’t believe there is much of a view if that’s what you are chasing.
Looking to continue the fun and add on more hikes to this day? Head back towards your vehicle in the parking lot and check out Rooster Comb and/or Snow Mountain, behind the lot. Big views from these moderate, shorter length peaks! Then… reward yourself with a treat or some caffeine from Old Mountain Coffee or a meal (or some pie!) at Noonmark Diner (or both… they are across the street from one another!) Just be sure to check the hours of operation since they will most likely change during different seasons!
Bon Appetit +
Happy Hiking!
